Benoit Assou-Ekotto has blasted Premier League players who dive and believes they are ruining football.

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The outspoken Tottenham defender slammed his fellow top-flight professionals and insists those that go down cheaply in the box are cheating themselves, the referee, their club and fans.

The 26-year-old believes that play-acting in the Premier League has increased in recent years, which is killing the game.

When asked what angers him about the Premier League, the left-back told The Sun: "Hypocrites and cheats - and by that I mean those who dive.

"I don't like players who simulate. But there is more simulation in the game now more than ever.Swimming pool

"For a defender that is not good and for football it is not good either. I just wish players would try to be more honest... with themselves, the referee and, above all, the game.

"What is the point of playing when an opponent touches you and you fall like you are diving into a swimming pool? That is not football. But it is killing the game. For supporters, players, clubs, everybody."

In another frank interview the former Lens defender, who has been quoted as saying football is not his main passion and he simply plays for the money, may surprise a few critics after saying he would love to spend the rest of his career at White Hart Lane.

"If it is possible I would love to sit down with Harry Redknapp and the chairman and talk about me spending the next 10 years at Tottenham. It would be fantastic for me," admitted the Cameroon international, who signed a four-year deal at the club in 2009.

"I love the club and I love London. I hope I can stay for a long time."